Data Router Network Slice Support via Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data routers currently do not effectively support wireless network slices and inefficiently enable wireless communication networks to control router operations for these slices.
Innovation Solution
A data router is designed to serve User Equipment (UEs) over network connections to network slices, comprising a network radio, user radio, and processing circuitry. It receives container and connection configurations from the wireless communication network, executes data applications in operating system containers, and exchanges user data with UEs and network slices based on these configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If data routers directly interface with wireless user devices over WIFI and 5GNR protocols, then the range of wireless network services is extended, but the routers cannot effectively support wireless network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the router functionality by introducing virtual network instances that separate different network slice support capabilities. Each virtual network instance can be configured to support specific slice types (e.g., eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) while sharing the same physical router hardware, thus enabling slice support without sacrificing the extended wireless service range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the data router to handle multiple protocol types (WIFI, 5GNR, LTE) and multiple network slice configurations simultaneously through virtualization. The router can serve as both a traditional access point and a slice-aware network element, making it universally applicable to diverse wireless service requirements.
2Device complexity
If data routers operate independently without network control, then router operations are simple, but wireless communication networks cannot control router operations to support network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network control function as an intermediary between the wireless communication network and the data router. This mediator communicates configuration parameters and policies to the router, enabling centralized control for slice support while keeping the router's local operations relatively simple. The network control function translates high-level network requirements into router-executable configurations.
3Ease of operation
If data routers use traditional IP packet exchange, then network communication is straightforward, but router operations cannot be controlled to support wireless network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the router's packet exchange behavior dynamic by introducing slice-aware routing capabilities. The router can dynamically adjust packet handling based on slice configuration parameters received from network control, such as prioritizing certain traffic flows, applying specific QoS policies, or routing packets through different virtual network instances based on the slice type and service requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A data router serves User Equipment (UEs) over network connections to network slices. The data router receives a container configuration and a connection configuration from a wireless communication network. The data router exchanges user data with the UEs. The data router executes data applications in operating system containers based on the container configuration. The data applications exchange the user data with the network slices over the network connections based on the connection configuration.